Friday, July 1, 2016

Minoura Turbo Trainer Review 2016

Minoura Turbo Trainer Review 2015 – 2016

When it comes to turbo trainers, many people want a device that offers the customisation and resistance they require, yet still fits into a small home or storage area. The Minoura B60-R Trainer is one such product offering exactly that.

For a reasonable cost, this trainer looks to offer plenty for both professional and amateur cyclists. Is the Minoura B60-R Trainer right for you? Let’s take a better look at what it has to offer.

Main Features

One of the biggest features for this device is its size, yet that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything else to consider. Indeed, the Minoura turbo is packed full of many noteworthy features, including:

This trainer offers resistance of up to 442 watts, which offers plenty of power.
Similarly, there are 7 levels of resistance, allowing you to adjust the training as you see fit.
A remote is fitted to your handlebars, allowing you to switch up resistance while exercising.
This is a very small trainer. Unfolded, the size is just 61 x 46 x 39cm. It will fit almost anywhere.
Better yet, it folds down for when you want to store it away. This offers a smaller size of 45 x 45 x 16 cm, making it even easier to fit into any home or storage area.
Given its small size, it’s not surprising that this is a very light weight trainer yet, at only 6.2 kg, there are absolutely no problems lifting or moving this equipment.
As far as loads go, this trainer can take up to 120 kgs, including the bike, so there are no problems when it comes to weight tolerances.
This piece of equipment also fits a wide range of tyre sizes, including 24, 26 and 2 as well as 700c bike wheels.
A quick release skewer also allows easy dismounting when you’re finished.

In short, don’t let the small size of this device fool you. This device is designed to be easy to use, yet offer plenty of custom features to get the exact workout you need.

Using The Trainer

As already mentioned, the small size of the Minoura B60-R Trainer is one of its best features. This trainer will fit nearly anywhere and, even when folded out, doesn’t take up much more room. As long as you can fit your bike, the trainer will be easily accommodated in any space.

Similarly, the set-up is simple. This trainer has a quick, effective folding mechanism, so opening it up and putting the bike in takes relatively no time at all. Dismounting is even quicker, thanks to a quick release skewer. This is fantastic when you’ve pushed yourself physically and don’t want to spend more energy disassembling something.

As for the cycling itself, the resistance offered here is very good. At 442 watts, this is enough to offer a consistent, high level of resistance. However, the 7 levels are a worthwhile touch, as it allows you to use a level of resistance matching your physical capabilities.

Of course, the handlebar lever is a welcome touch, as it allows you to change things up mid-session. If you feel you can handle more, you just need to move the lever up and the trainer will offer more resistance. Likewise, you can move it down to lessen the pace and give yourself a break. The main benefit here is the fact you can do this without getting off the bike or interrupting your concentration.

Verdict

For its low asking price, the Minoura B60-R Trainer certainly offers a lot. New cyclists will appreciate the simplicity of the equipment, thanks to its fold-able design and simple controls during exercise itself. Similarly, more experienced athletes will appreciate a piece of exercise equipment that offers plenty of variance and adapts quickly to your needs. In this case, the Minoura B60-R Trainer easily fulfils both criteria.

Minoura B60-R Trainer –

Price: £655.21

(5 customer reviews)

2 used & new available from £655.21

Direct Drive Turbo Trainer Review 2016

Direct Drive Turbo Trainer Review

If you’re looking for a high-end turbo trainer that operates at a high level of efficiency, yet generates much less noise and disturbance, you should consider the CycleOps Classic Silencer Direct Drive Mag Trainer Cassette.

This differs from traditional turbo trainers on many levels, making it an interesting consideration that could bring some worthwhile changes to how you exercise. Let’s take a closer look at this product and see how it actually performs.

Main Features

This device has a simple design that offers plenty of depth, as highlighted by its abundance of features. Here’s a closer look at this piece of equipment’s more unique offerings:

Unlike most turbo trainers, this direct drive uses the rear drop-out on your bike, rather than the tyre. This helps eliminate much of the noise and vibrations generated.
It’s also relatively small, too, with a size of 68.6 x 30.5 x 55.9cm.
Similarly, it only weights 6kg, so you will have no problem picking this up.
Because it doesn’t use your rear wheel, there’s no slippage or need to worry about the front wheel.
There are ten settings – essentially gears that connect to the chain – that allow for a broad range of resistance levels.
These settings can be controlled via a simple controller, which attached to the handlebar.
This device also comes with weight flywheels, helping to generate a sense of inertia familiar to outdoor environments.

As you can see, here is plenty of versatility here, which will keep many cyclists happy. At the same time, the design focuses on providing and product that’s easy to set-up and use. As a cyclist, you can spend your time cycling, rather than having to install a complicated piece of technology.

Using The Trainer

From the very start, it’s clear this cassette direct driver works in a different fashion to turbo trainers, although the end result is more or less the same. Rather than attaching a resistance unit to your rear tyre, this device uses the rear drop-out instead. Just hook this in place and attach your chain to the lowest gear to get started.

The benefit of this is that the bike doesn’t nearly vibrate so much. It also generates much less noise, thanks to the removal of the rear tyre. While you might not notice it at first, you will also find that you’re rear tyre lasts longer, as its not undergoing the hard wear and tear that turbo training often inflicts.

As for changing resistance on this bike, the device has a very similar concept to the existing gears on your own bike. As such, setting this up and using it is instantly familiar to any cyclist. It even comes with its own dial, attached to the handlebars, that operates exactly as you would expect.

In terms of its size and weight, there are no problems here. This is a very small product, with a size of just 68.6 x 30.5 x 55.9cm. It will fit in just about any place you wish to store it, while its weight of 6kg means its never too heavy to move or pick up, either.

Verdict

When it comes to turbo trainers, the CycleOps Classic Silencer DD Mag Trainer Cassette certainly offers something different. While it does differ from regular turbo trainers, it nonetheless offers a holistic experience that feels natural to many cyclists. Combined with 10 levels of resistance, this is a trainer that offers a deep level of versatility and will be a welcome addition for many cyclists.

CycleOps Classic Silencer DD Mag Trainer Cassette – Black

Price: £532.69

(0 customer reviews)

1 used & new available from £532.69

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Velo Pro Turbo Trainer Review 2016

Velo Pro Turbo Trainer Review 2015 – 2016

Turbo trainers allow you to exercise with your bike indoors and there are a number of excellent models available. The Turbo Trainer for Mountain and Road Bikes, by Velo Pro, for instance, offers a fantastic trainer at a low price.

With plenty of features and a small design, the Velo Pro turbo trainer is a very competitive option, but is it right for you? Let’s take a look at its various features and see just what it has to offer.

Main Features

Overall, the design on the Velo Pro aims to make this equipment easy to use. Everything is self-explanatory, yet the range of features offer this model plenty of depth and versatility. It’s unique features include:

This device can fit a range of bikes, accommodating wheel sizes between 26 and 28 inches.
It also fits 700c wheels.
With 6 levels of resistance, you can really customise the amount of energy the bike offers back.
The kit comes with front wheel support, as well as a rear stem, to ensure stability while exercising.
The device also comes pre-assembled, requiring no effort on your part, and can be used easily. Just fold it away when not in use, or fold it out when you want to exercise.
With such a small size, this device will fit in most storage areas when not in use.
Similarly, it only weights 5 kgs, making it exceptionally light for a cross trainer.
The quick release system also makes it easy to dismount the bike after you’re finished.
Finally, if you like to exercise with style, this trainer is available in four different colours: black, white, red and silver.

As you can see, there is plenty of variety here. Whether its the range of resistance levels on offer, or the range of wheels it can fit, this device has a lot of offer numerous cyclists. This also includes its small, lightweight design, which is agreeable with people in smaller homes, where storage space is limited.

Using The Trainer

From the start, this device comes pre-assembled. This means you don’t need to waste time putting it together. Instead, you can just attached your bike and get to work. Since it takes such a broad range of wheel sizes, including the popular 700c, most bikes will have no problem using this trainer.

Likewise, the 6 levels of resistance allow for a great level of customisation. Whether you want something easy and soft, or hard and resistant, you can find the setting on this trainer. Thankfully, there is a level that attaches to the handlebars, so you can change the resistance up or down as you see fit, rather than having to stop mid-flow during a heavy workout.

Overall, when using this turbo trainer, it offers a very sturdy and reliable experience. While it looks small – and certainly weights very little – great care has gone into ensuring your bike doesn’t move or slip while exercising. Thanks to the wheel supports, you don’t need to worry about the bike coming lose. Everything is held perfectly in place.

Verdict

While it might not look like much on the outside, the Velo Pro turbo trainer certainly packs a punch. With some great resistance options, as well as the ability to fit a broad range of bikes, this is a very agreeable product. Cyclists, whether seasoned or amateur, should have no problem getting to grips with this trainer. The overall design is very agreeable and starts to feel familiar very quickly.

Turbo Trainer for Mountain and Road bike 7 Stage Resistance Indoor Trainer by Velo Pro (Black)

Price: £64.99

(48 customer reviews)

1 used & new available from £64.99

Tesla 3 – Riva Sport Turbo Trainer Review 2016

Tesla 3 – Riva Sport Turbo Trainer Review 2015 -2016

If you’re looking for an affordable and practical turbo trainer, the Tesla 3 Turbo Trainer is certainly worth considering. This device is small and light, yet offers many of the robust, versatile features you would expect from a luxury turbo trainer. So, how does it actually handle?

Main Features

Despite its size, the Tesla 3 brings a lot to offer. There are numerous options, allowing for greater versatility and extended use. Here are its most unique features:

This device comes pre-assembled and can be used straight from the box.
It comes with a free riser block included.
The resistance is generated via magnets, offering a smooth level of resistance throughout.
This can also be varied, using a remote cable and level. This allows you to switch up the resistance in the middle of exercise activities.
The level itself can be attached to the handlebars and offers 7 different levels of resistance.
The quick release skewer is a welcome touch. When you’re done exercising, this quickly releases the rear wheel, which is all you need to separate the bike from the trainer.
As far as bikes go, this device can fit wheels ranging from 26 to 28 inches.
It can also fit 700c wheels.
This device also has a very simple design, allowing you to fold it up when not in use, to make it even smaller.

In summary, great care has been taken to make a product that is very adaptable and easy to use. It can incorporate a wide range of bikes and offers a variable level of resistance. In short, this should allow cyclists to get exactly what they need from their turbo training.

Using The Trainer

This is very much a piece of equipment for people that value efficiency. Since you don’t need to assemble or install the device, you can start exercising the moment you take it out of the box. This is ideal for busy people, who wish to spend more time exercising, rather than preparation.

The same also applies when you’re finished. The quick release skewer instantly disengages the bike and, then, all you need to do is fold the trainer up and put it away. This instantly minimises the time you spend setting up or putting the device away.

As for exercising itself, the resistance offers is great and feels smooth. The 7 different levels offers some great versatility. Better yet, this can all be done via the handlebar-mounted lever. This feels and works just like a typical bike lever, so the overall experience will feel very natural and familiar to anyone who’s cycled before.

In short, this device is easy to use and offers a simple design, yet it doesn’t skip on any of the vital areas a turbo trainer would offer. At the end of the day, this is a versatile piece of equipment that works with a surprisingly large selection of bikes and even offers 7 levels of resistance. What more does a turbo trainer need to do?

Verdict

Ultimately, the Tesla 3 turbo trainer is a very impressive piece of exercise equipment. It’s simple to use and doesn’t cause any hassle. When cycling, you barely notice its even there. If you’re looking for a device that works with you and allows you to get on with your workout, the Tesla 3 offers some great value for money in this area.

TESLA 3 NEW TURBO TRAINER MAGNETIC 6 RESISTANCE CYCLE BICYCLE BIKE

Price: £59.99

(1 customer reviews)

1 used & new available from £59.99

BDbikes Turbo Trainer Review 2015 – 2016

Bdbikes Turbo Trainer Review

If you’re looking for a worth while turbo trainer, the BDBikes Bike Magnetic Turbo Trainer offers plenty, all at a low budget-price. Yet, as you will see, this device has enough features to keep most people happy, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or an amateur taking their first steps. Here’s a closer look at what this turbo trainer can do.

Main Features

Despite its small size and compact design, there is a lot at work here. The BDBikes Bike Magnetic Turbo Trainer has plenty of unique features that make it worth your consideration, including:

This trainer fits a wide range of standard bikes, so it is compatible with most existing equipment
The front wheel support is noteworthy inclusion, helping to keep the entire bike stable.
It also comes with a quick release mounting, allowing to quickly get off and put the trainer away after you are finished with it.
The resistance is fantastic, thanks to a series of 12 magnets, offering consistency.
This is connected to a heavy duty controller, allowing you to quickly switch up resistance during exercise.
Similarly, there are 6 levels of resistance, allowing you vary your workout as you see fit.
With a weight of just 7 kg, this is a very lightweight model, making it easy to set-up and store.
This device also doesn’t need to be assembled over and over. When you’re done with it, just fold it down. This smaller profile is much easier to pack away and fits anywhere.
When folded down, its size is just 90 x 25 x 60cm.

As you can see, there are plenty of adjustable features here. Overall, great care has been taken to design a product that is quick and easy to use, as seen by its fold-able design, changeable resistance and general lightweight construction.

Using The Trainer

Straight away, it’s clear that using this product is easy. There’s no set-up or installation required, so you can simply put your bike in position and start cycling. The same can be said when you’re finished and exhausted, as you can just fold it back up and put it away in next to no time.

When using the trainer itself, however, the resistance really standards out. With 12 magnets working in opposition with each other, the level of resistance feels smooth and consistent, rather than dropping in and out of the magnets field of effect. It also creates a quiet sensation, too, since there are few mechanical components at work.

Similarly, the resistance controller is a nice feature, as it allows you to customise your experience each time. If you feel you can do more in a single session, a quick push on the switch allows you to gain more resistance. The same is true if you want to take it a little easier. In short, you don’t need to stop or get off the bike mid-session just to adjust the trainer.

When you consider that all of these features are available in a 7 kg trainer, with a collapsed size of 90 x 25 x 60cm, there is some great value here. Not least of all, the size makes it much easier to store away when not in use, as it will fit in most corners or storage areas without any problems.

Verdict

What’s not to like about this bike? With 6 levels of resistance, there is enough versatility to please most cyclists, while the general design is user friendly and allows you to get on with staying in shape. Considering its small design and low price, the BDBikes Bike Magnetic Turbo Trainer offers excellent value.

BDBikes Bike Magnetic Turbo Trainer -Variable Resistance Bike Trainer – Inc Front Wheel Rest

Price: £55.99

(491 customer reviews)

2 used & new available from £54.99

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Cycleops Tempo Fluid Turbo Trainer Review 2015 – 2016

Cycleops Turbo Trainer Review 2016

If you’re looking for an affordable turbo trainer that’s easy to use from the moment you own it, the Cycleops Temp Fluid Turbo Trainer has plenty to offer. Although its designed as an introductory level kit, this turbo trainer has plenty to offer beginner and seasoned cyclists alike. Let’s take a closer look at what this piece of equipment can do.

Main Features

Although its designed for beginners, there are plenty of features that ensure the range of customisation and control experienced cyclists require. Here’s a closer analysis of this device’s unique offerings:

The resistance on this device is smooth and fluid, adapting when you need it to without crudely shifting gears.
As far as the power of resistance goes, this item can offer up to 500 watts.
To help with this, the device has a remote adjuster. There’s no need to get off of your bike while training – just use the remote to adjust your resistance and get the workout you planned for.
In terms of design, this product has an extra wide aspect, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of moving equipment.
As an added bonus, the kit also comes with a mat, so you can protect your floor straight away.
There’s also an added sweat towel. While you likely have your own, it’s a little extra touch that makes this item more welcoming for beginners.
As far as dimensions goes, this device has a size of 50 x 70 x 40cm. As you can see, it’s not very big at all and fits into any room with ease. This also makes it rather easy to store when not in use.
Likewise, at just 10 kg, this is a rather lightweight design that is, again, easy to handle and store.
In terms of which bikes are suitable, there have been no problems fitting wheel sizes between 26 to 29 inches, which covers a broad range of options.
The roller is also easily adjustable, ensuring you always have the right, secure fit.

As you can see, this has everything you could need to start turbo training with your bike indoors, as well as a number of options to encourage longevity and continued use with this product. Other touches, such as the towel and matt, make this a great all-in-one package, allowing you to get a true training experience from the start.

Using The Trainer

Upon opening this product, it’s clear the designers have thought about a cyclists needs. The towel is a great touch, but the inclusion of a mat just makes sense. Given that it comes with the turbo trainer, it goes without saying that its a good fit and saves time having to buy one later on.

As for using the device itself, there are plenty of options to please most cyclists. The resistance is good, with up to 500 watts in power, which can be controlled and changed via a remote adjuster. When you’re working out and you’re in the zone, this adjuster allows simple transitions without breaking your concentration.

In terms of practicality, this device fits wheels from 26 to 29 inches, so its great for most bikes that people use. Likewise, it has a great design that allows you to easily fit your bike and get to work. Great care has been taken to ensure this device can be set-up in no time at all. The extra wide frame, too, helps provide additional balance and, between this and the mat, new cyclists don’t need to worry about vibrations or other possibilities.

Finally, with such a small and light design, this device can fit easily into any home, as it doesn’t require too much space when not in use.

Verdict

Ultimately, this is a fantastic turbo trainer for beginners, yet the Cycleops Temp Fluid Turbo Trainer also has plenty of options to keep other people happy as well. The trainer itself can be used on a variety of wheel sizes and adapts well, providing a stress-free solution. This is, in short, something many cyclists can appreciate and provides great value for money.

CycleOps Tempo Fluid Training Kit – Multi-Colour

Price: £203.88

(0 customer reviews)

2 used & new available from £199.13

Best Interactive Turbo Trainer – Tacx Vortex Smart Trainer

Tacx Vortex Interactive Smart Trainer Review

Turbo training allows you to use your bike indoors but, to do this, you need the right turbo trainer. There are many on the market right now, but few stand out as much as the Tacx Vortex Interactive Smart Trainer.

This device has numerous features and plenty of appeal. Combined with an affordable asking price, this is a device that is well worth considering. Here’s a closer, in-depth look to help you make up your mind.

Main Features

The sheer abundance of features makes this a very appealing turbo trainer. Not everything is needed, but this simply allows riders to fine-tune their experience to suit their needs. Let’s take a look at this product’s unique offerings:

The electro resistance offers a great level of resistance, allowing you to get an effective workout when you cycle.
Because the brake – which uses a combination of magnets and electro magnets – can be finely controlled, it can also generate a realistic incline effect, with ‘slopes’ up to 7%.
Can be connected to various devices, such as tablets, smart phones, computers and laptops, for use with various Tacx Cycling apps.
Rather than dealing with cables, the bluetooth feature allows you to use your phone or tablet through wireless connections for more comfortable use.
If you want to a harder workout, this trainer has a maximum brake power of 950 watts. While this only lasts for ten seconds, it’s more than enough power for most exercise sessions.
In terms of physical size, this piece of equipment has a dimensional frame of 59.9 x 50.5 x 19 cm, making it smaller than you might think.
Similarly, it only weighs 11 kg, so it’s never too much hassle to pick this item up to use or put away.

All in all, there are plenty of features to help you control the exact experience you get out of this trainer. While you can simple attach your bike and go, the modern innovations here allow for greater interaction.

Using The Trainer

Using the Tacx Vortex Interactive Smart Trainer is relatively simple, since the device is designed to be used quickly and effortlessly. This is, in part, helped by its small and lightweight design. Once your bike is ready, you can simply start cycling. If you prefer, you can better customise your settings to get the results you want.

This is where the digital offerings really enhance the experience. You don’t need to use any software at all to enjoy this product, but being able to see your virtual speed, chart your progress and use any of the other available apps is a big benefit. This allows you to record your results over time, which will appeal to people who are serious about their fitness.

Likewise, the bluetooth feature is a nice touch that is more practical than you might realise. If you have a portable device that you want to use, this ensures there are no unnecessary wires getting in-between you and the vehicle.

As for using the product itself, the electro brakes really stand out. If you’ve used a trainer before, these magnetic brakes will feel familiar, but the electro brakes allow the trainer to be more accurately and smoothly controlled. Want to transition into a slope? This device lets you do that without any awkward, noticeable shifts. When you’re in the zone and want to keep on pushing yourself, this helps create the natural conditions and environment you’re likely to encounter outside.

Verdict

In summary, the Tacx Vortex Interactive Smart Trainer is a turbo trainer that offers plenty of value. Beginners will find it easy to use, while experienced athletes and cyclists will find there are plenty of options to enable them to train in the way they are use to. This ensures that the Vortex Interactive represents a long term product, as you can get use out of this for many years to come.

Tacx Vortex Smart Trainer

Price: £257.41

(23 customer reviews)

6 used & new available from £200.13